Ice Block Maker

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an ice block maker device and a method for using said device for the production of ice. In one embodiment, the instant invention comprises a device that allows for large-scale production of ice blocks for commercial use. The device is configured in a manner that a plurality of ice blocks may be formed. The device comprises a freezing reservoir that holds brine bath into which a plurality of ice cans may be lowered and filled with water for freezing using a specifically configured water-dispensing manifold. Once frozen, the device is configured in a manner to allow efficient removal of the ice cans from the brine bath, extraction of the ice block from the ice cans, and packaging of the ice block for long-term storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION/TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to the field of ice production. More specifically, the instant invention relates to the production of ice blocks preferably for commercial use.

BACKGROUND

Production of ice blocks is time and labor intensive. Moreover, there are significant safety risks associated with production of block ice—particularly when freezing devices must be handled and moved manually. The instant invention address these concerns. For example, a plurality of ice blocks may be produced in one freezing cycles using the device and method of the instant invention. By producing

multiple ice block at once, production efficiencies increased and costs are decreased. Moreover, the device disclosed herein is configured in a manner that mitigate safety concerns with manually handling heavy ice blocks.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a device and method for efficiently producing ice blocks. The device is capable of producing a plurality of ice blocks during a single freezing cycle. Moreover, the device is configured so that the ice block production may be performed quickly and minimize the safety risks.

In one embodiment of the apparatus for making ice, the apparatus comprises a grid, the grid comprising supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and the supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into the bath; the bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between the bath and the freezing solution; and a hoist with means for lifting the grid by means of cable attached to a lever.

In another embodiment, the grid is positioned on top of the bath.

In another embodiment, the bath has four lateral walls.

In another embodiment, the grid additionally comprises a plurality of can apertures wherein the can apertures comprise a plurality of interspersed holes separated by a plurality of intercan spaces.

In another embodiment, a single can aperture is configured to receive a single the freezing reservoir.

In another embodiment, the bath additionally comprises an enclosing seal with means for sealing the bath from the external environment.

In another embodiment, the bath additionally comprises a recirculator wherein the recirculator has means for recirculating solution in one or more circulation patterns within the bath in order to promote heat exchange.

In another embodiment, the grid is attached to the bath by one or more hinge.

In another embodiment, the grid additionally comprises a raising device, the raising device comprising a means to lift the grid out of the bath and put the grid in position where a plurality of the freezing reservoirs can thaw outside of the bath, such that at least a single ice block frozen within at least one the freezing reservoir may fall out as it thaws.

In another embodiment, the grid is attached to a hoist.

In another embodiment, the freezing solution may be any of the following: salt solution, ionic solution, propylene glycol, liquid nitrogen.

In another embodiment, the bath additionally comprises a plurality of coils configured to adapt in between the dimensions of the freezing reservoir cans.

In yet another embodiment of the apparatus for making ice, the apparatus comprises a grid, the grid comprising supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and the supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into a bath; the bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between the bath and the freezing solution; a manifold wherein the manifold has means for filling a plurality of the freezing reservoirs simultaneously.

In another embodiment, the grid is positioned below the manifold.

In another embodiment, the manifold comprises a plurality of spouts.

In another embodiment, the spouts are positioned above the freezing reservoir.

In another embodiment, the apparatus additionally comprises a hoist with means for lifting the grid by means of cable attached to a lever.

In another embodiment, the hoist is attached to the lever by a hook.

In another embodiment, the hoist may be any of the following: block and tackle pulley, rope and pulley system, fixed pulley, movable pulley, belt and pulley.

In yet another embodiment of the apparatus for making ice, the apparatus comprises a grid, the grid comprising supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and the supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into a bath; the bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between the bath and the freezing solution; a hoist with means for lifting the grid by means of cable attached to a lever; a rail wherein the rail has means for distributing the weight of the grid when filled with water.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, wherein the grid 101 is lowered into the freezing reservoir 103.

FIG. 2 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in an open position, wherein the grid 101 is lifted open and the inside of the freezing reservoir 103 is visible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, wherein the grid 101 is lowered into the freezing reservoir 103 and elements of the lever 104 are visible.

FIG. 4 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position illustrated from above.

FIG. 5 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, illustrated from a side perspective.

FIG. 6 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, wherein the enclosing seal 701 is covering the freezing reservoir.

FIG. 7 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, illustrating the raising mechanism 201.

FIG. 8 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in an open position, wherein the grid 101 is hinged open and the ice cans are visible as illustrated from a size perspective.

FIG. 9 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in an open position, wherein the grid 101 is hinged open.

FIG. 10 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in an open position, wherein the grid 101 is hinged open.

FIG. 11 is a diagram view of an ice block maker in a closed position, illustrating a manifold 105 in position to fill the ice cans (102).

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an ice block maker with the manifold positioned above the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Overall the instant invention relates to a device and a method for producing ice, preferably for commercial use. The device comprises several element including: a grid 101, which holds ice cans 102; a freezing reservoir 103, in which the ice cans are immersed; a means for lowering and lifting the grid 101 into and out of the freezing reservoir 103 further comprising a lever 104 and a hoist 205; and a manifold 105 to rapidly fill one or more ice cans 102.

A general method for using the invention involves the following steps: (i) filling one or more ice cans 102 with a solution; (ii) freezing the solution inside the ice cans 102 to form a solid; (iii) thawing the ice cans minimally to allow release of the ice from the ice cans 102.

More specifically, the general method may further comprise the steps of: (i) filling a freezing reservoir 103 with a brine solution ; (ii) cooling or chilling the brine solution to a temperature below freezing; (iii) attaching a grid 101, comprising one or more ice cans 102, to the top of the freezing reservoir 103 via a connection such as one or more hinges 301; (iv) attaching a manifold 105 to the grid 101, wherein the manifold 105 is configured to allow the addition of water to one or more cans 102; v) filling one or more cans 102 with water; (vi) optionally, removing the manifold 105 from the grid 101; vii) freezing the water in one or more ice can 102; (viii) removing the grid 101 from the freezing reservoir 103; (ix) thawing the ice in order to allow release from the ice cans 102; (x) packaging and storing the ice obtained from the system; and, (xi) using the ice produced by the system for one or more commercial purposes.

Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, at step (viii) of the aforementioned method removing the grid 101 is achieved by attaching a hoist 205 to the lever 104 of the grid 1. Once the hoist 205 is attached, the grid 101 is raised to a desired height and angle above the freezing reservoir 103. The above method is herein identified as method 1 and while these steps are depicted in an order, it is thought that these steps may be performed in one or more alternative orders and still reflect the novelty of the invention.

Regarding elements of the device, the grid 101 comprises a supporting structure for ice cans 102 that may be raised and lowered into a freezing reservoir 103. The grid 101 is preferably arranged to fit within the freezing reservoir 103 and to connect to the manifold 105.

The grid 101 functions: (i) as a supporting frame allowing immersion of one or more ice cans 102, optionally filled with water, into the freezing reservoir 103; (ii) to raise one or more ice cans 102 after the freezing cycle is complete; (iii) improve safety by, for example, reducing lower back problems associated with producing. In addition, the grid 101 is adaptable or configurable so that a variety of ice cans 102 configurations may be lowered into a freezing reservoir 103. Further, the ice cans 102 may be optionally filled prior to or after lowering into position.

In one embodiment, the grid 101 comprises carbon steel, but other embodiments alternative materials may be used to form the grid 101 such as: any typical metal such as, aluminum, stainless steel, or other materials such as molybendum, polycarbonate, hardened plastic, or carbon fiber. The grid 101 is connected with the freezing reservoir 103 by one or more hinges 301 and a lever 104. In one embodiment, the grid 101 is shaped like a rectangle, however, in alternative embodiments the grid 101 may also be shaped as an octagon, a square, a circle, or a cylinder. In turn, the grid 101, may further comprise elements such as; a raising mechanism 201 comprising a raising device 204 and a connection means 205, and one or more can apertures 202 for holding or positioning ice cans 102.

The raising mechanism 201 is configured to raise and lower the grid 101 and also to invert the ice cans 102 for ice removal. In one preferred embodiment, the raising mechanism 201 comprises one or more hinges 301. The hinges 301 are configured to provide a pivot point for rotation of the grid 101 (i) upon lifting; and (ii) upon lowering the grid 101 into the freezing reservoir 103. In one preferred embodiment, the hinges 301 are comprised of steel, but in alternative embodiments may more broadly comprise: metal, aluminum, stainless steel, molybdenum, polycarbonate, hardened plastic, or carbon fiber.

In some embodiments, a hinges 301 may include a barrel hinge, an piano hinge, a pivot hinge, a butt/mortise hinge, an case hinge, a continuous hinge, a concealed hinge, a butterfly hinge, a flag hinge, a strap hinge or the like. If a hinge 301 is missing, movement of the grid 101 may be accomplished via alternative means such as using a forklift to reposition the grid 101. Further, it is possible that in its absence a multi chain pulley system may be used to lift the grid 101. Also, motorized engines are alternative mechanisms for providing the force required to raise and lower the grid 101 comprising ice cans 102 into the freeze chamber 103 and removed the ice following freezing.

The raising device 104 comprises a means to lift the grid 101 out of the freezing reservoir 103. Moreover, the raising device 104 may put the grid 104 in a position where the ice can be extracted from the ice cans 102. For example, a forklift, a hoist 205, a winch, or a motorized engine may form a raising mechanism may be used to lift the grid 101. In the one embodiment, the raising device 104 is a bar that provides a grasping point for the raising mechanism 201. In one embodiment, a raising mechanism 201 is absent altogether. Is such a situation, an individual may remove the grid 101 or one or more ice cans 102 through conventional manual extraction, such as manual lifting.

In one embodiment, the raising device 204 connects to a lever 104 comprising a metal bar preferably comprised of steel, but may which may alternatively be comprised of the following materials: polyethylene, metal, aluminum, stainless steel, molybdenum, polycarbonate, hardened plastic, or carbon fiber. In one embodiment of the invention, the lever 104 is primarily shaped like an ‘L’; however, in other embodiments it may also be T-shaped, ‘S-shaped’, or ‘J-shaped’. The lever 104 may comprises a horizontal piece 104 a, a vertical piece 104 b, and an eyehook 104 c.

In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal piece 104 a may be perpendicular to the vertical piece 104 b and overlapping the edge of the freezing reservoir 103. The lever horizontal piece 104 a may be connected to the grid 101. In one embodiment, the horizontal piece 104 a may be shaped like a flat bar; however, an alternative embodiment it may also be shaped like a cylinder. In one embodiment, the vertical piece 104 b may be arranged perpendicularly to the horizontal piece 104 a and parallel to the walls 103 a of the freezing reservoir 103. The vertical piece 104 b may be connected with the horizontal piece 104 a and the eye hook 104 can used in connect with the overall lever 104 to the raising mechanism 201 in order to lower and raise the grid into place. In one embodiment, the lever piece 104 may be flat; however, in an alternative embodiment it may also be round.

The eye hook 104 c comprises a means for attaching to a raising mechanism 204 in order to lift the grid 101. The eye hook 104 c may be arranged adjacent to the vertical piece 104 b and may function to both 1) hold the rack up when out of the freezing reservoir 103; and, to 2) establish the point of connection between the pulley system and the grid system. The eye hook 104 c may be attached to the vertical piece 104 b and act as an intermediary to the raising mechanism. In some embodiments, an eye hook 104 c may comprise a ringed eye bolt/hook, a brazed eye bolt/hook, a tapered eye bolt/hook, an looped eye bolt/hook, a hook bolt/hook or the like. In the one embodiment of the invention, the eye hook 104 c is preferably shaped like a circle but, in alternative embodiments may also be shaped like a ‘S’ or a ‘J’.

The can apertures 202 are holes in the grid 101 that house one or more ice can 102. Spatially, apertures 202 are alternative positioned between the inter-can spacing 217, which is the distance between the can apertures 202. The can apertures 202 function to both 1) form a frame for the ice can 102 to attach; and, to 2) hold the cans when raising and lowering into the brine freezing reservoir 103. In one embodiment, the can apertures 202 are primarily square-shaped; however, in other embodiments the can apertures 202 may also be round or rectangular. Further, the can apertures 202 are positioned to accept one or more freezing reservoirs 203.

The freezing reservoir 103 comprises a means for storing water to be frozen in a particular shape. In one embodiment, the freezing reservoir 103 may be positioned inside the can apertures 202 and immersed in the brine solution. The freezing reservoir 103 forms a mold that creates a block of ice that matches one or more industry standard for an ice making machine. The freezing reservoir 103 also interacts with the brine solution by transferring heat between the water to be frozen and the low temperature brine freezing reservoir 103. Further, in one embodiment the freezing reservoir 103 is an ice can 102.

The ice can 102 may comprise low grade stainless steel; but in other embodiments, may be created from any of the following: polyethylene, polybutylene, aluminum, copper, metal, silver, gold, or platinum. In one embodiment, the ice can 102 maybe square-shaped; however, in alternative embodiments the ice can 102 may be circular or rectangular in shape.

The freezing reservoir 103 is comprised of an insulated reservoir designed to store a brine solution that is chilled to temperatures well-below the freezing point of water. Moreover, the bath 2 functions to exchange heat between the freezing reservoir and the brine solution. The freezing reservoir 103 provides an improved heat-exchange system compared to air freezing; and promotes vertical expansion of water as it solidifies during the ice formation process. In some embodiments, the freezing reservoir 103 may be missing. In this case, heat exchange would not produce a proper ice formation. In one embodiment, the freezing reservoir 103 preferably comprises a holding tank for chilling a brine solution, and further comprises walls 103 a, the re-circulator 111, the enclosing seal, and the coil cooling system 110.

The brine solution comprises a liquid solution used to promote lowering the freezing point of water and produce ice. In one embodiment, the brine solution 8 is situated within the walls of the freezing reservoir 103. The brine solution 1) cools the water in the ice can 102 to form ice blocks; and, 2) promotes even freezing of the ice blocks among the multiple ice can 102. The brine solution interacts with one or more ice cans 102 by surrounding and promoting heat-exchange (i.e., cooling) the water within them. In some embodiments, examples of a brine solution may include a salt solution, an ionic solution, a propylene glycol solution, a liquid nitrogen solution or the like.

Walls 103 a of the freezing reservoir 103 comprises supporting physical elements forming the container of the freezing reservoir 103. Spatially, the walls 103 a of the freezing reservoir 103 surround the brine solution and support the grid 101. In one embodiment of the invention, the walls 103 a are generally thought to be created from the insulating material, but in other embodiments may be created of non-insulating material. The walls 103 a preferably comprise an insulating material 103 b, and a surrounding coating 103 c, respectively.

Insulation 103 b within the walls 103 a reduces heat transfer for the brine solution and the outside temperature. Spatially, the insulation 103 b may be positioned underneath the coating 103 c and is the supporting material for, or within one or more wall 103 a. The purpose of the insulation 103 b is to reduce heat exchange between the external environment and the internal environment of the freezing reservoir 103. Further, the insulation aims to reduce condensation in and on freezing reservoir 103. In the main embodiment of the invention, the insulation 103 b is may be foam. However, in some embodiments, examples of insulation 103 b may include cork, plywood, insulating foam, an insulating paint or the like.

A coating 103 c is a structure on the outside of the walls 103 a comprising any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition that, after application to a substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid or film coating. Spatially, the coating 103 c may be positioned surrounding the insulation 103 b and covering the walls 103 a. The coating 130 c functions 1) provide a non-conductive barrier between the brine solution and the insulation 103 b; and 2) provide a non-conductive barrier between the exterior environment and the insulation 103 b. In one embodiment, the coating 103 c may comprise: enamel, paint, rubber, fiberglass, a resin, a gel coat or the like.

A recirculating pump comprises a means to circulate a solution in one or more circulation patterns within the freezing reservoir 103. Spatially, the recirculating pump may be positioned within the freezing reservoir 103 2, and even more particularly at the center bottom of the freezing reservoir 103. The recirculating pump interacts with brine solution 8 by moving the solution through its interior components. In some embodiments, a recirculating pump may include a distiller or the like.

A coil cooling system 110 comprises a means of heat exchange, wherein transfer of cooling gas through coils 110 within the brine solution promotes heat transfer. Generally, it is thought that this system is composed of coils; however, in alternative embodiments, a non-coil system may be used to decrease the temperature of the brine solution. In one embodiment, the coils 110 are arranged in between the interior components of the ice cans 102 within and throughout the brine solution. The coils 110 comprise copper; however, alternative other embodiments may comprise the following materials: steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. In some embodiments, if the coils 110 are missing, other means for cooling the brine solution may be used. In one embodiment of the invention, the coils 110 are primarily shaped like a compressed spring, but in alternative embodiments may be shaped like a corkscrew, a spring, or any type of repeating s-pattern. In some embodiments, the coils 110 may be flat and in the shape of a sine wave so that they can be fitted in between the ice blocks for more rapid cooling. In this embodiment there may be rows of these coils arranged as boundaries between various blocks of ice.

An enclosing seal comprises a means to seal the freezing reservoir 103 from the external environment. In one embodiment, the enclosing seal is positioned above the freezing reservoir 103 and is used when the grid 103 is not in position (for storage). The enclosing seal prevents moisture from entering the freezing reservoir 103 and diluting the brine solution, while also preventing heat exchange between the brine freezing reservoir 103 and the external environment. In some embodiments, an enclosing seal 701 may include: a lid, a cover, a cap or the like. If the enclosing seal is missing, the system may be deployed without an enclosing seal.

A manifold 105 comprises a means to simultaneously fill the ice cans 102. In one embodiment, the manifold 105 may be situated on top of the grid 101. The manifold 105 allows rapid filling of the ice cans 102 with water. This precludes manual filling of the ice cans 102 and increases the speed of ice can 102 filling. The manifold 105 may comprise copper; however, the manifold 105 may alternatively comprise: steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. In one embodiment of the invention, the manifold 105 is preferably shaped like an ‘S’; however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it could be any shape that allows filling of the cans.

A lever 104 comprises a supporting or weight transfer system used to help orient the grid 102 when being lifted in order to remove ice from the ice can 102. In one embodiment, the lever 104 is positioned above the grid 103. The lever 104 is attached to and interacts with the hoist 205. In some embodiments, if the lever 104 is missing, other means for distributing the weight of the grid 103 for movement may be used. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for making ice, comprising: a grid, said grid comprising supporting structure, wherein said supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and said supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into said bath; said bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between said bath and said freezing solution; a hoist with means for lifting said grid by means of cable attached to a lever.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grid is positioned on top of said bath.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said bath has four lateral walls.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said grid additionally comprises a plurality of can apertures wherein said can apertures comprise a plurality of interspersed holes separated by a plurality of intercan spaces.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a single said can aperture is configured to receive a single said freezing reservoir.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said bath additionally comprises an enclosing seal with means for sealing said bath from the external environment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said bath additionally comprises a recirculator wherein said recirculator has means for recirculating solution in one or more circulation patterns within said bath in order to promote heat exchange.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said grid is attached to said bath by one or more hinge.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said grid additionally comprises a raising device, said raising device comprising a means to lift said grid out of said bath and put said grid in position where a plurality of said freezing reservoirs can thaw outside of said bath, such that at least a single ice block frozen within at least one said freezing reservoir may fall out as it thaws.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said grid is attached to a hoist.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said freezing solution may be any of the following: salt solution, ionic solution, propylene glycol, liquid nitrogen.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said bath additionally comprises a plurality of coils configured to adapt in between the dimensions of said freezing reservoir cans.
 13. An apparatus for making ice, comprising: a grid, said grid comprising supporting structure, wherein said supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and said supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into a bath; said bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between said bath and said freezing solution; a manifold wherein said manifold has means for filling a plurality of said freezing reservoirs simultaneously.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said grid is positioned below said manifold.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said manifold comprises a plurality of spouts.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said spouts are positioned above said freezing reservoir.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said apparatus additionally comprises a hoist with means for lifting said grid by means of cable attached to a lever.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said hoist is attached to said lever by a hook.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said hoist may be any of the following: block and tackle pulley, rope and pulley system, fixed pulley, movable pulley, belt and pulley.
 20. An apparatus for making ice, comprising: a grid, said grid comprising supporting structure, wherein said supporting structure is configured to house a plurality of freezing reservoirs and said supporting structure is configured to be raised and lowered into a bath; said bath comprising insulation and means for storing a freezing solution used to exchange heat between said bath and said freezing solution; a hoist with means for lifting said grid by means of cable attached to a lever; a rail wherein said rail has means for distributing the weight of said grid when filled with water. 